Buy the stone for the look, the metal for the years, and the setting for the stones you'd otherwise lose. For a fully iced cross, VVS moissanite in solid 14K gold with prong set pavé is the combination that delivers a strong iced look without a diamond price tag. Choose lab grown diamond instead if you want a certified stone or a piece you plan to pass on.

A cross is one of the most recognizable pendant shapes in hip hop jewelry because it works at different scales, with different chains and across different styles. That is also why the market includes plated and poorly set versions that can lose their appearance quickly. This guide covers the four decisions that matter most: stone, size, chain and setting, plus how BlueIce Gems approaches a custom cross from CAD to delivery.

In This Guide

• Moissanite or lab grown diamond?
• What size should a cross pendant be?
• Which chain should it hang on?
• Which setting holds the stones?
• Which metal lasts?
• How BlueIce Gems makes a custom cross
• Which cross should you choose?
• Cleaning and care
• Frequently asked questions

Moissanite or Lab Grown Diamond for an Iced Out Cross?

Moissanite works well for a fully iced cross, while lab grown diamond is suited to a cross built around a certified center stone or a piece intended as an heirloom. The difference comes down to where each stone's characteristics matter most on the finished pendant.

A fully iced cross can contain many small stones packed closely together. At that scale, the overall visual effect comes from the combined flash of the stones rather than the characteristics of one individual stone. Moissanite has higher dispersion than diamond, listed at 0.104 compared with 0.044, and a higher refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69 compared with 2.42. That combination can create noticeable coloured fire under different lighting conditions.

Moissanite also has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, making it suitable for regular jewelry wear. It can also pass a standard thermal diamond tester because of its thermal conductivity. You can read more about that here: does moissanite pass a diamond tester.

Lab grown diamond has the chemical and physical properties of diamond and can be accompanied by an IGI or GIA grading report. Its appearance is also closer to mined diamond because it is diamond rather than a diamond alternative. If your cross has a larger center stone or you specifically want diamond documentation, lab grown diamond is the appropriate direction.

For a deeper comparison, read our moissanite vs lab grown diamonds comparison.

Cubic zirconia is another material found in some inexpensive jewelry. It has a lower hardness than both moissanite and diamond and can show wear more quickly with regular use.

What Size Should an Iced Out Cross Pendant Be?

Under 25mm works as an everyday piece, 25mm to 45mm is a versatile middle range, and 45mm or larger creates a statement look. When measuring a pendant, include the bail because the complete height affects how the pendant sits on the chest.

Cross pendants work across several sizes, so the right measurement depends on how you plan to wear the piece.

• Small, 15mm to 25mm: Sits closer to the collarbone and works well with an 18 inch to 20 inch chain. It can also work under a shirt or as part of a layered look.
• Medium, 25mm to 45mm: Visible over a tee while still working under a hoodie. This size pairs naturally with a medium width Cuban chain.
• Large, 45mm and up: Creates a stronger statement and generally works better as the main pendant with a wider chain.

Pendant weight also increases as the pendant becomes larger. A larger solid gold cross can require a heavier chain simply because of its weight and proportions.

Which Chain Should You Wear With an Iced Out Cross?

Match the chain width to the pendant size and make sure the bail is designed for the chain. A large cross on a very thin chain can look visually unbalanced and may place unnecessary stress on the chain.

Cuban and Miami Cuban chains are common choices for iced out crosses because their wider links create a strong visual foundation and help the pendant sit against the chest.

Around 5mm can work well with a medium cross, while larger pendants can pair with wider chains depending on the pendant's overall weight and design.

Rope and Franco chains can also work well with smaller crosses. A thinner rope chain can create a lighter everyday combination with a smaller pendant.

Chain length also affects where the cross sits. An 18 inch chain generally sits around the collarbone, while 20 inch to 22 inch lengths move the pendant lower toward the sternum. Longer lengths can work for layering.

Browse our iced out chains collection to compare available chain styles and widths.

If you already own a chain, tell us the chain width before ordering a custom pendant so the bail can be designed to fit it correctly.

Which Setting Holds the Stones on a Fully Iced Cross?

Prong set pavé uses metal to hold the stones in place and can provide a combination of sparkle and security when properly executed. The setting is one of the most important parts of an iced out pendant even though it is often difficult to evaluate from a product photograph.

• Prong or shared prong pavé: Stones sit in prepared seats and are secured with small metal prongs or beads. This allows a strong amount of light interaction while mechanically holding the stones.
• Channel: Stones sit inside a metal channel. This creates a flatter appearance and can provide strong protection around the stones.
• Bezel: Metal surrounds the outside of the stone. This offers strong protection and is more commonly used for center stones than full pavé.
• Glue or press set: The stone is not mechanically secured by surrounding metal. Buyers should understand exactly how stones are held before purchasing inexpensive iced jewelry.

Before paying for a cross, ask two simple questions: Is every stone mechanically held by metal, and is the metal solid or plated?

What Metal Should an Iced Out Cross Be Made In?

Solid metal is the foundation of a long term jewelry piece. BlueIce Gems works with 925 sterling silver, 10K gold, 14K gold, 18K gold and platinum.

One important distinction is the difference between white gold and gold plated jewelry. White gold can receive a rhodium surface finish while remaining solid gold underneath. Gold plated jewelry instead has a thin gold layer over another base metal.

How Does BlueIce Gems Make a Custom Iced Out Cross?

BlueIce Gems combines design work in New York with manufacturing in Surat. The supplied production information identifies the Diamond District office at 48 W 48th St and manufacturing operations in Surat, India.

A custom cross generally follows this process:

1. Free design consultation: Send a reference image or book a design consultation. Confirm the pendant size, metal, stone type and chain requirements.
2. CAD render: A three dimensional model is prepared to show the stone layout, proportions and bail before production. Learn more about the CAD design process.
3. Casting and stone setting: The approved design moves into production, followed by stone setting and finishing.
4. Production and delivery: The supplied content states a production time of approximately 2 to 4 weeks after design approval, followed by processing and US delivery.

Custom and engraved pieces are made to order and the supplied source states that they are non returnable unless defective. Ready made pieces are stated to have a 15 day return window. Confirm the current store policy before publishing because service policies can change.

Which Iced Out Cross Should You Choose?

Choose based on how you will wear the pendant rather than how it looks in a photograph.

Moissanite offers a strong iced appearance at a lower price point than lab grown diamond. It does not have the same diamond identity or resale considerations as a certified diamond. If documentation and diamond status are important to you, lab grown diamond is the appropriate choice.

How Do You Keep an Iced Out Cross Looking New?

Warm water, a small amount of dish soap and a soft toothbrush can help clean a regularly worn cross. Brush gently around the arms of the cross and behind the stones where oils and residue can collect.

• Put the cross on after applying cologne and lotion.
• Remove it before the gym, pool and shower.
• Store the cross separately from other chains and jewelry.
• Avoid aggressive home cleaning methods on delicate pavé settings.
• Have the prongs checked periodically if the piece is worn every day.

BlueIce Gems also lists professional cleaning and repair services. Confirm the current service scope before publishing any specific repair policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an iced out moissanite cross pass a diamond tester?

Yes. Standard thermal diamond testers can read moissanite as diamond because both materials conduct heat in a similar way. More advanced testing equipment can distinguish between them using additional measurements. BlueIce Gems identifies and sells moissanite as moissanite.

How much does an iced out cross pendant cost?

The price depends on pendant size, metal, stone type, stone count and setting. A 925 silver moissanite cross can be an entry point, while a larger 14K gold or lab grown diamond cross can reach a much higher price. Ask for the stone count and metal weight when requesting a quote.

BlueIce Gems should add a verified current price range before publishing a specific dollar amount.

What size cross pendant should a man wear?

A 25mm to 45mm cross on a 20 inch to 22 inch chain is a versatile medium size. Go below 25mm for a more subtle pendant or above 45mm when you want the cross to become the main jewelry piece.

Is a cross pendant only for religious wear?

No. The cross is also widely used as a fashion motif in hip hop jewelry. If the piece is being purchased as a gift, consider how the recipient personally views the symbol. A simpler cross design can work across more styling preferences.

Will an iced out cross tarnish or turn?

Solid gold and platinum do not behave like plated base metals. Solid 925 silver can tarnish gradually and can be polished. Plated base metal can show its underlying material after the surface layer wears away.

Can I get a cross made to fit a chain I already own?

Yes. Provide the chain width in millimetres when requesting a custom pendant. The bail can then be designed around the chain during the CAD stage. A bail designed for a narrow chain may not accommodate a much wider chain.

Are custom cross pendants returnable?

The supplied content states that custom and engraved pieces are non returnable unless defective or damaged, while ready made pieces can be returned within 15 days subject to the stated conditions. Confirm the current BlueIce Gems return policy before publishing.

Ready to Build an Iced Out Cross?

Start with the custom iced out pendants collection to explore the range, or book a free design consultation if you want a cross designed around your preferred chain.

You can also complete the look with iced out stud earrings.